LSK calls for probe into life threats of Mediamax Journalist
By Antynet Ford
The Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo has called for a probe and investigations into threats that have been issued against Mediamax journalist Wanjeri Kariuki.
In a post made on her X account, replying to a newsfeed regarding the threats, Odhiambo called for action against the officers issuing threats to the journalist who was shot by the police during the anti-government protests in Nakuru two months ago.
“This should be investigated, the media should not be intimidated especially a victim of police brutality!” Faith said.
Wanjere, who survived a gunshot wound to her thigh on July 16, 2024, while covering the anti-government protests in Nakuru, has claimed that she has received threatening messages.
In an interview with K24 TV on Monday, Wanjeri said she was fearing for her life.
She said she believed that the person (s) threatening her wanted her to drop the case of her shooting allegedly by police.
Wanjeri said at some point, she contemplated dropping the case, pointing out that she feared for the well-being of her family too.
“I have contemplated dropping the case because that would mean that the person threatening me stops.” She said
Wanjeri however said she has been receiving support from the Nakuru Journalists Association since she was at the hospital and dropping the case would be letting them down.
“Their (people intimidating her) intention is for me to drop the case but that will be me letting down the people who have been helping me fight. And we know it is a weighty case,” she said.
Read also:- LSK President Faith Odhiambo Criticizes Court Ruling on Military Deployment
The Kameme FM journalist stated that when she visited the Central Police Station to record a statement on the shooting incident, she was treated well.
“The lady police officer received me warmly and helped me record my statement objectively without resistance. She then told me to wait for my case to be referred to an investigating officer.” Wanjeri said.
This is not the first time that Wanjeri has spoken out about her life being in danger.
While in hospital, Wanjeri said she had been hit with a teargas canister earlier before being shot at, adding that she was being targeted.
“Nobody would convince me that I was not a target because it is not the first time I had been targeted. A teargas canister had hit me, but I did not report the matter, I did not escalate the matter,” she said.
Wanjeri was shot four times with three bullets lodged in her thigh.
On July 23, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga directed the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate Wanjeri’s shooting.
The DPP called on Kenyans with any information regarding the conduct of police during protests to record statements.
The DPP said that statements from witnesses and Kenyans will help him hold suspects to account.
